Electromagnetic activating device



Oct. 31, 1933. M. P. McCARTY 1,932,631

ELECTROMAGNETI C ACTIVATING DEVICE Filed June 16, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l I" 2'7 2e M3 0 6/6 '15 Sll, u IIIHIII] a; as a Z? 17 i M] 9 \u 8 F 5-5- ATTOR N EY Get. 31, 1933. M P MCCARTY 1,932,631

ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTIVATING DEVICE Filed June 16. 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 patented Oct. 31 1933 UNITED STA TES 1 l 1,932,631 PATENT OFFICE 1,932,631 ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTIVATING DEVICE one-tenth per cent to F. A.

Dallas, Tex.

Davies, both of Application June 16, 1932. Serial No.-617,512 iciaims. (Cl. 172126) This invention relates to electro-magnetic motors and its has particular reference to certain new and novel improvements in electromagnetic activating devices, employing as a Imeans of operation, one or more peculiarly shaped and magnetically attracted armatures and an interrupter.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved application of electrical magnetism with which may be operated or driven certain mechanical devices of various kinds and types and under various circumstances and for different purposes, the degree ofpower obtainable being dependent largely upon .the size and shape of the device to which the invention appertains and possibly fromthe manner in which the device is associated with or connected to the'mechanicalor other device to be operated thereby. I Y

The invention comprehends the provision of an exceptionally simple application of magnetic energy to secure power to whateverextentneeded for driving various kinds and types of mechanical contrivances, the improvement being such that the cost of construction, as compared with present types of electric motors and other rcurces of power is negligible and the cost for operating the present invention under any circumstances is but a fraction of the cost incident to the operation of known and conventional types of electrical power sources.

Primarily, the object of the invention is to afford an inexpensive yet extremely practical and dependable expedient for the purpose of intermittently making and breaking an electrical circuit, making the same peculiarly adaptable in a light circuit for vehicle stop lights, vehicle traific control lights and for many other purposeswhere blinker lights are desirable or necessary for the promotion of safety and for other purposes. Current interrupters of the type generally known are usually of the inexpensive type of thermostats and arenot dependable for the reason that they are short lived and their periods of interruptions are not uniform. Other mechanical and electrical types of interrupters are quite expensive and are objectionable for reasons familiar to those given in that they become impaired easily and are likely to become useless at the time most needed.

The present invention comprehends the provision of a new and wholly practical device for the purposes specified and for other purposes too numerous to mention and whose construction is such thatthere is little likelihood that it will become inopportunely impaired, thereby affording an electrical unit upon which great dependence may be placed regardless of its application.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new application of magnetic energy whose movements in operation are unlimited, that to say, by certain constructional variances, a rotative, oscillative or reciprocative motion may be obtained without departing from the broad principle of the invention. The rotative motion. is of value when it is desired to impart such motion to a machine or apparatus. The oscilla tive motion may be used in connection with the interruption of an electrical current when the device is adapted as a current interrupter in light circuits and the like and the reciprocative motion is desirable for many uses and especially takes the place of the well known types of solenoids.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to its salient features of construction and arrangement of parts, which will become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing;

portions of the inner casing broken away and illustrating the interior working parts of the invention.

Figured is an elevational view of the operative parts and base shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of the wir ing of an electrical light circuit in which the invention is arranged.

Figurefi is one form of armature embodying the invention and used in connection with the devices shown.

Figure 7 is a modified form of armature. Figure 8 is a modified form of device embodyingthe principle of the present invention in which the elements are designed to rotate instead of moving in an oscillatory manner as in the case of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a further modified form of armature, showing the laminated type. Figure 10 is another form of armature for producing varying degrees of speed by the in tensification of magnetic attraction.

Figure .11 is a further modified form of the said spindle. oscillating movement by a coiled spring 9, and

invention which serves in the capacity of a solehold or imparts reciprocative motion.

Figure 12 is a side elevation of the operative parts of the device shown in Figure 8, and

Figure 13 is a wiring diagram showing the application of the device shown in Figure 1.

In continuing in more detail with the inventioln, it may be stated for the sake of clarification that while the invention broadly pertains to electro-magnetic motors, it is obvious that its application may be materially broadened to cover a field greater than herein expressed, and for that reason, it is not intended that the invention shall be limited to the specific applications defined herein. It has been stated previously that variance in the degree of size and shape of the parts of the invention will have the effect of varying the degree of power and speed obtainable. Accordingly, it is considered sumcient to define the prime uses for which the invention has been designed which are first, to provide means for incorporation in an electrical circuit for interrupting the current to a light, and second, to provide an electro-magnetic prime mover or motor. 7

With reference to Figures 1 too inclusive, 1 designates a base which has a convenient mounting in the form of a non-insulated arm 2 ,and. insulated arms 3, the insulation being designated at 4 in Figures 3 and 4.

,Connected to the center of the base and extending upwardly therefrom is a spindle 5 upon is rotatably disposed a sleeve 6, integral with the inner casing. 7. A collar 8, shown only in Figure 1,' is placed over the end of the pin or spindle 5 and is thereby held-stationary with to the said spindle 5, although the housin: or casing 7 is capable oi rotation on the This rotation is limited to an the interrupter, the inner end of said spring being secured to the collar 8 at It) while the ,gnd is secured toa stud 11 affixed to the top of the casing 'l as shown in Figural. Obviouslv. when the casing 7 is moved in a clockwise direction, spring!) will have a tendency to return the same repeatedly and at accurately priedetermined intervals to the starting position.

A plate 12 is provided on the underside of top of the casing 7 and suitably insulated therefrom by a layer of fibrous material 13 betweenthe said plate and the top and with small flashers 14 ofthe same material interposed between the rivets ia'with which the said plate is retained, and the top of the said casing "1.

The plate 12 has a pair of depending stops 16 on opposite sides of the sleeve 6. The purpose these stops will be explained presently. An olectro-magnetic coil 17 is mounted upon and grounded with the ferrous base 1 and is prowith a core having a relatively large, pole and 18, as shown in Figure 3. The coil 17 is so disposed that upon rotation or the inner coaing'l, the reduced and of a substantially M80 shaped and curved armature 19, fixed to theinnerwall of the casing 7, will be attracted her the magnet and due to the fact that the Immature increases in width and thickness toward its opposite end, reluctance is gradually reduced and due to the magnetic flux flowing through the face of the magnet 17, into and the armature l9, thence through. the base 1. a tensioning effect is produced which tends to exert a pull upon the armature 19.

thereby causing the casing 7 to move in a clockwise direction against the resistance of the spring 9.

Referring to Figure 4, it is pointed out that a pivoted switch 20 is provided and is maintained in either of two positions under tension by means of a spring 21. The peculiar manner in which the spring 21 is connected to the switch 20 and the manner in which tension is brought to bear thereon is important since it is through this medium that the current flowing through the device is periodically interrupted. The spring 21 holds the switch 20 in either one of the two positions of the latter shown in solid and in dotted lines in Figure 4. Consequently, as the casing 7 is moved in themanner explained in the foregoing by magnetic attraction, one of the stops 16 carriedby the plate 12 in the casing 7 will engage the upwardly extending finger 22, integral with the switch 20, thereby reversing the position of the switch to either make or break the circuit and momentarily suspend the flow of current through the device. Further explanation of this detail will be set forth presently. In the case of its use in connection with an automobile stop light, the device is so mounted on the frame of the vehicle that it will be properly balanced and the maximum strength of the spring 9 will be effective. The device is so arranged in the electric circuit of the vehicle that current flowing through the binding post 23 will flow to the. point 24 and when the switch 20 is in the position shown in solid lines in Figure 4, the current will flow through points 24 and 25 into the switch proper 20, thence through its support 26, into the plate 27, through the coil wire 28 and into the coil 17, thence to ground through the ground connection 2. During the period of time the coil 17 is energized as just explained, the reduced and of the armature 19 is attracted and the tendency of the magnetic flux thus created to reduce the reluctance will cause the armature 19 to be moved as explained previously in a clockwise direction, thus moving the casing 7 accordingly until one of the stops 16 is revolved to a position to engage the upwardly extending finger 22 and move the same to the dotted line position shown in Figure 4. When this is done, points 24 and 25 are broken, thereby interrupting the current flowing through the device and de-energizing the electro-magnetic coil 17.

Upon. de-energization of the magnet 17, the casing 7 is released to the action of the spring 9, which returns the casing to normal starting position or to such position that the opposite stop 16 will engage the opposite side of the upwardly extending flnger 22, whereupon it is moved to the position shown in solid lines in Figure 4 and since the finger 22 is an integral part of the switch 20, the latter is also moved to the position shown in solid lines, again making contact between the points 24 and 25 in order that the current may resume its flow through the device and the light or other device. The foregoing operation is continued automatically as long as the current is allowed to flow through the circuit.

Figure 5 typifies the wiring diagram as applied to a vehicle and may also be taken to represent any electrical circuit containing a. light or any other electrical device operated by the circuit. The battery 29 is grounded at 30 and current flowing through wire 31, upon closing the switch 32, enters the switch 20 and flows I'. in)

thence through contact points 24 and 25, through wire 34 to lampor other device 33, thence returned to ground. Current also flows through wire 28 to coil 17, energizing the same,

thence to ground. The stops 16 are suggested diagrammatically in Figure 5 as opposing the upwardly extending finger 22 of the switch 20. Movement of thesestops alternately against the finger 22 of the switch will obviously make and break the circuit between the points 24 and 25. The coil in this figure is shown at 17 and grounded at 1, which represents thebase of the device as shown in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive.

The foregoing description deals exclusively with that type of instrument, embodying the principle of the present invention, designed primarily for the purpose of interrupting the electric current, especially a light current where a blinker effect is desired. The current is broken at accurately timed, intervals, the duration of the time intervals being predetermined in various ways. But varying the spacing of the stops 16, changing the size and shape of the armature 19 or by changing the degree of throw of the switch 20, one may effectively change the duration of time during which the current may be interrupted. I

Referring now particularly to Figure 8,.it is pointed out that the structure shown therein is not unlike the structure first described in principle, since substantially. the same type of armature is employed but instead, the device imparts to its elements a rotary rather than an oscillating motion, a

A pair of; electro-magnets 35 and 36 are provided in an iron mounting 3'7, which latter is supported upon an insulated base 38. The core of each coil is of the peculiar, shape shownin Figures 8 and 12 and are designated at 39 and 4O for the coils 35 and 36 respectively. The

faces of the cores ,39 and 40 arein vertical alignment as shown in Figure 12. When the coils 35 and 36 are first energized, there is a relatively high resistance to the fiow of flux between the pole ends 39 and 40 of the magnets,

due tothe comparatively wide air gap between the pole ends. .The reduced end of one of pos sibly three of the armatures 41 is attracted by the linesof force and caused tomove in a clock- Y wise direction, thereby decreasing the reluctance between the pole pieces of the magnet, by reason of the fact that the armatures become wider and greater in thickness at their remote ends. The circuit is intermittently made and broken at predetermined intervals as the casing 42 is.

revolved in the manner explained to periodically energize and de-energize the magnets 35 and 36 and the inertia of the moving casing 42 carries the armatures successively into the range of magnetic attraction of the magnets.

Current is introduced through wire 43, through the arm 44, to contact point 45 and when this point is engaged with contactpoint 46, carried by the arm 47, current fiows through the arm 4'7, Wire 48 and into the coil 35, thereby energizing the same, thence through the adjacent coil 36 and out through wire 49. The two coils are thus energized simultaneously, thereby setting up a magnetic flux to establish lines of force between the pole pieces 39 and .irupt the current periodically. This is done by anti-friction bearing 52 is provided means of a series of fibrous cams 50, disposed in spaced relationship about the top of the casing 42, as shown in the cutaway portion of the case ing in Figure 8. As the casing 42 rotates on the central post or spindle 51, the cams are moved successively against the end of the flexible arm 4'7, shown at the left of Figure 8. Upon engagement of one of the cams 50 with the free end of the arm 47, the latter is depressed to separate the points .45 and 46, thereby interrupting the flow of current through the device at this point. However, the inertia of the rotating casing 42 will continue to move the same to carry. the armatures 41 over the points of low reluctance and since the current interruptions are momentary, re-energizationof. the magnets 35 and 36 is established immediately and which operation continues until the flow of current is discontinued in the circuit.

In order to lessenthe friction occurring between the casing 42 and the post 51, a small in the top of the casing.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that through the medium of an electro-magnet or a combination of electro-magnets, combined with armatures of the peculiar design and shape shown in the drawings, many and various movementsmay be obtained and applied to various uses. The type of current interrupterv employed in connection with the invention is of secondary importance since it is obvious that there are many ways in which the flow of current may be periodically suspended during operation of either of the devices shown and described in the foregoing.

As an example of the different types of arma tures which may be employed in connection with the invention, reference is made to Figure '7 which shows a wedge shaped and curved armature 53. This type of armaturediifers from the armature 19, shown in Figure 6 only in that it is of constant width throughout its length and varies in thickness only while the armature 19 varies both in thickness and in width. The armature 54 shown in Figure 9 is substantially the same as the armature 19 except that it is constructed of laminated material and is found to give substantially the same results as the armature 19.

In many cases, it is found that where irregular movements are to be imparted, the type of armature designated at 55 in Figure 10 is effective in that thisarmature is of irregular width and of graduated thickness. The'obvious action of the electro-magnet on this type of armature would be a slow initial movement, terminating in a sudden quick movement or snap while in the, other types of armaturesv shown and de-' scribed the movement would be more or less constant with a possible increase in speed as the heavy portion of the armatures approaches the pole pieces of the electro-magnet.

Figure 11 merely shows substantially the same combination of electro-magnets disclosed in Figures 8 and 12 to illustrate the principle of the invention in'obtaining a reciprocating movement. The coils 56 and 57 are wound upon an iron core 58 which is shaped to define an air gap 59 between the pole pieces 60 and 61. In this case, the armature 62 is of triangular shape and while the same general design is carried out in the construction of this armature, its thickness is constant and its triangular shape has been found to be effective in obtaining slower movemeet; than that or the well known type or solehold The structure shown in Figure 11 is diagrammatic and purposely so since it is intended only :1 to show the principle of the invention adapted to bring about a reciprocative movem'mti and accordingly, no means by which the armature 62 may be guided relative to the poles 361 of the magnets has been illustrated. withxrsterence to Figure 13, it will be noted that thewiring diagram therein shown is subthe same as the wiring diagram shown inlliguie 5 except that ahorn 63 is incorporated M circuit instead of the lamp 33 shown in Figure 5. The battery 64 is grounded at 65 on of a vehicle and upon closing the switch, current flows through wire 67 into mommies switch 88, through contact points 69 and Withe latter being insulated from each other, thence through wire '71 to the horn 63. W coil '22 is energized simultaneously through thli wire l3, dndhas the effect of actuating the switch, by the application or the principle of? the invention embodied in the structure Figure 1. mother words, the switch Gu ls rocked on its pivot to intermittently engage ahd dieengage the contact points 69 and '10 to the flowoi current to the horn 63 tiu'tueu wim 67,-switoh ea, points as and 10 and We 71. Theilo'w or current is also interrupted tdthdccil "1201' the invention. through wire '73.

flotmailyythe operating current to the horn neuroses the above circuit so that upon closing switched, vibration will be immediately set the horn, which willbe continuous as long w th! points 69 and 70 remain closed. When points 69 and 70 are opened by the mechanism hcfein described, a lesser amount of current flows through wire 74 and resistance 75 because it 321M1 9 introduction of the resistor 75 in the circidt.

The resultis that a sound will be emitted from the horn 63 having an alternate rise and pitch, therefore producing a novel effect. It ls-obvious from the foregoing that the in volition is able to obtain a slow, regulated movemerit-oi the armature and maintain control or such movement which is a great improvement over any conventional type of armature whose movement is quick, unregulated and diilicult to control.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable on considerable modification and such modification as is considered within the scope and meaning of the appended claims is also considered within the spirit and intent oi! the invention.

\iifltltt is claimed is: a

electro-magnetic activator and switch including electro-magnetic means and an armature movable across the face of said electromagnetic means and or such dimensions that the reluctance of the magnetic path is decreased as said armature is moved across the face of said electro-magnetic means, an oscillatable housing for said electro-rnagnetic means, armature and switch spring, means yielding to the movement of said housing for returning the same to its original position when moved by said electro-magnetio means, an upwardly extending lug carried by said switch and means carried by said housing and intermittently engaging said lug to actuate said switch to eilect intermittent energization and de-energization of said electromagnetic means.

2. An intermittent electric switch including a base portion and a movable member pivoted to said base portion, a contact point on said base portion and a second contact point on said movable member, tensioning means for maintaining said contact points in either engaged or disengaged relationship, means for limiting the movement or said movable member, an oscillatable covering for said switch and means carried by said covering for actuating said switch.

3.An intermittent electric switch including a base portion and a pair of standards carried by saidbase portion, a movable member having a substantially U-shaped cross section pivoted between said standards, a tension spring attached to said base portion and extending upwardly over said pivot and then downwardly within said movable member and having pivotal connection with the forward end of said movable member, a tail portion on said movable member to limit movement thereof, an upwardly extending actuating lug integral with said movable member, a contact point carried by said base and a second contact point carried by the lorward end of said movable member.

4. A current interrupter including a base portion and a pair of standards carried by said base portion in spaced relationship, a member substantially U-shaped in cross section pivoted between said standards, an upright member on said base portion, a tension spring attached to said upright member and extending upwardly over said pivot and then downwardly within said U shaped member and having pivotal connection with the forward end of said U-shaped member, a tail portion on said U-shaped member to limit movement thereof, an upwardly extending actuating lug integral with said U-shaped member, a contact point carried by said base and a second contact point carried by the forward end or said U-shaped member.

MADISON P. McCAR'I'Y. 

